Years ago one of my quitters called me while she was having a strong urge to smoke. She told me that she was avoiding going to the grocery store because that was where she used to buy her cigarettes. What a GREAT time to declare your independence from tobacco!

She said, “ I just THINK about those rows and rows and rows of cigarettes.” As she spoke I remembered a time in my life when I was completely overwhelmed by rows and rows and rows… of TOMBSTONES.

As a child I visited Arlington National Cemetery. I remember being completely overwhelmed when I thought about all of the people who died defending our nation and our freedom. In every direction, stretching out before my eyes were rows and rows of white stones, white crosses, marking the final resting place of a soldier or sailor -a hero I would never know - that I could never thank.

Then I remembered another fact I had learned about tobacco. The lethal dose of nicotine for an adult is approximately 60 milligrams (which is the amount of nicotine in an average pack of cigarettes.)

When I put that fact together with her comment about “rows and rows and rows” of cigarettes, I suddenly thought of the picture below.

Of course I mean no disrespect to the souls memorialized in Arlington National Cemetery, but I’ll never see the rows of cigarettes at a store without thinking of this picture. As you and yours celebrate your independence and remember those who sacrificed to purchase your freedom, PLEASE do whatever it takes to get and stay FREE from tobacco’s grip.